Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Expected to Open by October: Gadkari.

The Delhi–Dehradun expressway, a major infrastructure project aimed at drastically reducing travel time between the two cities, is expected to be completed by October 2025. This information was shared by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, July 23.

Gadkari stated, "The Dehradun–Delhi access-controlled highway with a total capital cost of ₹11,868.6 crore is targeted for completion by October 2025."

Spanning 210 kilometers, this six-lane expressway is designed to slash the travel duration from an arduous 6.5 hours to a mere 2.5 hours. The route originates from Akshardham in Delhi, traversing through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh before culminating in Dehradun.

A significant highlight of the expressway is a 12-kilometer elevated wildlife corridor near Rajaji National Park. This will be India's longest such corridor, specifically designed to ensure the safe passage of animals while maintaining uninterrupted vehicular traffic. The expressway also features a spur connecting to Haridwar and links directly to the Char Dham highway network, considerably improving access to Uttarakhand’s popular hill stations and pilgrimage sites.

Further enhancing its utility, the project incorporates a 340-meter, three-lane tunnel at Datkali in Dehradun, constructed at a cost of ₹1,995 crore. Additionally, the expressway includes 113 underpasses for smooth vehicular flow, 62 bus shelters, and several dedicated underpasses specifically for animal crossings, including two designed for elephants.

Once operational, the Delhi–Dehradun expressway is anticipated to become a vital artery for the northern region. It is expected to significantly improve inter-state connectivity, stimulate tourism, and facilitate the quicker movement of goods and people across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.